m INTERNATIONAL 99 NEWS “ 'OMEN HLGTS PERPETUAL CALENDAR

2004 8-10 Southwest Section Fall Meeting, Solvang, CA/Santa Ynez Airport. Hosted by the Santa Barbara Chapter. Tie down-free. Hotel is AUGUST the Royal Scandinavian, Solvang. Contact 1 99 News Deadline - Sept/Oct issue. Michelle Leiphart, [email protected]. 6-8 The 35th Annual Palms to Pines Air Race, 21-23 AOPA Expo 2004, Long Beach, CA Santa Monica, CA to Bend, OR. No ex­ Convention Center. Jacquie Sprague, To list your 99s events perimental or aircraft older than 1955 is Volunteer Coordinator, 562-596-6902. allowed. Send $5 for race kit to Claire Ninety-Nines Breakfast 8:15 am, Saturday, on this calendar page, Walters, 13026 Psomas Way, Los Ange­ Oct. 23 at Hyatt-Regency immediately send information to: les, CA 90066. Phone 310-397-2731. adjacent to Convention Center. Make reservations early as there is limited space. The 99 News 20-22 Wings Over Wine Country 2004, Sonoma P.O. Box 950033 Airport, Santa Rosa, CA. Volunteers 15-17 North Central Section Meeting, Oklahoma City, OK needed. Contact Mary Henig, South Bend, IN. Hosted by Indiana 73195 [email protected] or Betsy Taggart, Dunes Chapter. Contact Christine [email protected]. Email: Murdock, 574-289-8642 or email: 28 - Marion Jayne Air Race celebrating the chrismur @michiana.org. articles99News(”cs.com Sept. 6 75th Diamond Anniversary of the 1929 NOVEMBER Online Form: National Air Races. The cross-country race www.ninety-nines.org/ will fly from California to Cleveland. Entry 4-6 Fall Board of Directors Meeting, Okla­ kits are available at www.us-airrace.org. homa City, OK. 99newsreports.html SEPTEMBER Please indicate the DECEMBER name and location 9-12 Northwest Section Meeting, Port Angeles, 1 99 News Deadline - January/February of the event, the WA, Red Lion Hotel. Hosted by the issue. Greater Seattle Chapter. For information contact name and email [email protected] or 5 Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus Fly-In, MAPS their phone/fax/email. [email protected]. Air Museum, Akron/Canton (CAK) Regional Airport), Canton, Ohio. Contact 15-19 Powder Puff Derby Reunion combined Patricia Synk, 330-945-7518, On The Cover with Silver Wings Convention in [email protected]. Cincinnati, OH. Contact Barbara Evans, During their trip to 925-736-1795, email [email protected], New Zealand in prep- or Lindy Boyes, 925-943-2435, email artion lor the 2005 [email protected]. 2005 conference, Ninety- Nines visit The Sign of 16-18 National Championship Air Races and Air MAY Show, Stead Field, Reno, Nevada. Contact the Kiwi. Top row: 13-15 Spring Southwest Section Meeting, Van www.airrace.org. Susan Larson, Nuys, CA. Contact Maureen Kenney at International Treasurer: 24 -26 South Central Section Meeting, Santa Fe, [email protected]. Pat Prentiss, NM. Hosted by the Rio Grande Norte AUGUST International Director. Chapter. For more information contact Bottom Row: locly Ginny Boy I Is: [email protected] or 21-26 International Ninety-Nines Conference, McCarrell, International Susan Larson: [email protected]. Christchurch, New Zealand. Go to the In­ President; Donna 24-26 Small Rally, Roben-Hood Airport (QB), Big ternational website starting in August, Crane-Bailey, South­ Rapids, Ml. The Michigan Chapter 2004 for contact information and a de­ west Section Vice- sponsors this annual proficiency rally. scription of the exciting tours of New Governor; and Pam Contact: Rebecca Duggan at Zealand offered in conjunction with the Collings, 2005 Inter­ [email protected]. Conference. Information will also be avail­ national Conference able in the September/October issue of the 30- Women Airforce Service Pilots WWII Coordinator. The Sign of 99 News. the Kiwi is one o f three Oct. 1 (WASP) Reunion, Williamsburg, VA. road-houses built Contact Shutsy Reynolds, [email protected]. during the Depression OCTOBER 2006 in the 1930s along 1 99 News Deadline - Nov/Dec issue. Summit Road in the JULY Port Hills. In the back­ 7-9 National Business Aviation Association ground is Christchurch, (NBAA), Orlando/Orange County 5-9 International Ninety-Nines Conference, the Canterbury Plains Convention Center (OCCC), Orlando, FL. Washington D.C. and the Southern Alps. Contact: www.nbaa.org. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN PILOTS MAGAZINE® (ISSN 0273-608X) 99 NEWS INTERNATIONAL Published by THE NINETY-NINES' INC. International Organization of Women Pilots WOMEN PILOTS* A Delaware Nonprofit Corporation Organized November 2, 1929 8 n INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 4300 Amelia Earhart Rd. OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE N I N E T Y- N I N E S® INC. Oklahoma City, OK 73159-1140 USA 405-685-7969 or 800-994-1929 July/August 2004 Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved Volume 30, No. 4 FAX: 405-685-7985 Email: [email protected] CONTENTS Website: www.ninety-nines.org Elizabeth Lundin, Headquarters Manager PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 4 By Jody McCarrell PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE A TRIBUTE TO THE SOUTH LOUISIANA CHAPTER 6 Donna Crane-Bailey, lacque Boyd, Pat Prentiss, By Pat Ward Pamela O'Brien, Bobbi Roe, Liz Lundin FLYING IN THE "AROUND NEW ZEALAND" 2004 AIR RACE Bobbi Roe: Executive Editor 8 Danielle Clarneaux: Associate Editor, Graphics By Mardell Haskins and Gretchen Jahn AVIATRIX PUBLISHING, INC. CAREERS: FAILING TO SUCCEED Arlington Heights, IL 60006-0485 11 By Jenny Beatty THE 99 NEWS Fax: (405) 685-7985 PRO 99s PROFILE: KRISTAN MANSEL 11 Mail: The 99 News By Betsy Jordan Donovan P.O. Box 950033 Oklahoma City, OK 73195 FELICITY MCKENDRY: SHE HAD THE DREAM OF FLIGHT 12 Email: [email protected] By Dorothy Rungeling

BOARD OF DIRECTORS FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE - AND GRACIOUS HOSPITALITY 16 President By Elizabeth Brock and Bobbi Roe Jody McCarrell THE PERFECT PASSION 18 Vice President By Mary Ellen Morris Elaine Morrow Secretary THE UNLIKELY PILOT 19 Donna Moore By Ruth Holzem Treasurer Susan Larson HONOREES INDUCTED INTO FOREST OF FRIENDSHIP 20 Directors: Martha Dunbar, Pat By Linton Wells Prentiss, Betty Prakken, Connie Wilds SUN 'N FUN: A SALUTE TO VOLUNTEERS 21 Past President: Vicki Lynn Sherman By Barbara Sierchio COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS NEW HORIZONS 24 Arabia: Nancy Taylor Australia: Kathryn Flynn GRASS ROOTS 26 Brazil: Andrea Simone Mion Caribbean: Mary Higgs STATEMENT OF EDITORIAL POLICY fast Canada: Dorothy Berthelet Far East: Rikako Sugiura Carpenter The opinions expressed in the articles presented in this magazine are those of the authors and Finland: Kaisa Mol lari shall not be construed to represent the policies or opinions of The Ninety-Nines' Inc. Dead­ Cermany: Karola Schmorde line: I” of month preceding date of publication. Spelling and proper names are proofed India: Mohini Shroff against information submitted. All photographs submitted are sent to The 99s Headquarters. Israel: Avigail Barbara Colorni Mexico: Jacqueline Pulido International Women Pilots Magazine/99 News is published bimonthly by The Ninety-Nines* Inc., the New Zealand: Dee Bond Wakelin International Organization of Women Pilots, at 4300 Amelia Earhart Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73159. The Russian: Valentina Kotlyar $9 price of a yearly subscription is included in the annual Ninety-Nines membership dues. Periodicals West Canada: Marcia Strang postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and other additional mailing offices. United States: Neither The Ninety-Nines, Inc. nor the Publisher can accept any responsibility for the correctness or Mid-Atlantic: Ellen Nobles-Harris accuracy of the matters printed herein or for any opinions expressed. Opinions of the authors or contribu­ New England: Patricia Theberge tors do not necessarily represent the position of The Ninety-Nines, Inc. The Ninety-Nines, Inc. do not New York-New Jersey: Linda Scully warrant, guarantee or endorse any specific product or service that is advertised in its printed or on-line North Central: Elaine Morrow catalog or magazine. Northwest: Patricia Jane "Trish" Hanna Publisher reserves the right to reject any material submitted for publication. Copy submitted for publica­ South Central: Frances Luckhart tion shall become the property of The Ninety-Nines and shall not be returned. Articles submitted with Southeast: Cheryl Cichocki accompanyingompanying pictures will rece'receive publication preference. Pictures will be sent to Ninety-Nines Head- quartersirters in Oklahoma City for its Archives. Southwest: Patricia Gregory Annual Dues: Non-member subscription rates: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: U.S. - $65 U.S. - $ 2 0 International Women Pilots Magazine Canada and the Caribbean - $57 Canada and other countries - $30 (U.S. dollars) The Ninety-Nines" Inc., Overseas - $44 (U.S. dollars) 4300 Amelia Earhart Rd. Academic and future Women Pilots - $20 Oklahoma City, OK 73159 USA Add a one-time $10 initiation fee for new members in all categories of memberships. Campbell, who asked about several of you, espe­ cially the ones who made the trip to New Zealand after our Australian Conference several years President's Message back. We proceeded to do a little planning and asked them to come up with a logo and other BY )ODY McCARRELL details so we could go about marketing the con­ Oklahoma Chapter ference in Atlantic City. That group turns out the work, as we now have in hand the logo, and you can plan on buy­ ing a fanny pack or neck pillow for your trip to New Zealand. We are working hard with Air New Zealand and additional information was avail­ able in Atlantic City. We stayed in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, and from those few nights 1 assure you all that you will be very pleased. The service was great, the people are wonderful and the food, have slept in my own bed a total of about well we didn’t even go out somewhere to eat. eight nights in about a month now. Wayne That about says it all. Many of you were lucky will hardly speak to me, and my dog Mag­ enough to be able to visit with Pam Codings in lody McCarrell num growled at me when I came in last. For Atlantic City and learn more about New Zealand. those of you that have seen me, you know I have Pat and Donna returned to the U.S., and after a smile plastered all over my face, a result of the a few days in Queenstown over the Easter week­ most fantastic trip to New Zealand. end, Susan and I couldn’t get any work done, you Pat Prentiss, Donna Crane-Bailey, Susan know. The stay was absolutely wonderful, a jet Larson and I rendezvoused in Christchurch, New boat ride, a trip over to Wanaka, the largest air Zealand to lay the groundwork for the 2005 In­ show in New Zealand, and then an airplane trip ternational Conference. We met with New to Milford Sound over and through the moun­ Zealand Section member (and now Conference tains where the Lord of the Rings films were shot. Coordinator) Pam Codings. After all of us had a Meanwhile, Susan was doing a great job of little session with a meeting planner, the color driving on the left side of the highway. I am cer­ arrived back into Pam’s face and she started tainly glad she has had some experience at that. Attending the Asia Pacific breathing normally. The next day Pam picked us We then left and proceeded toward our next des­ Women's Conference, held up at the hotel, and we were treated royally to a tination, Taupo, NZ where the Asia Pacific every three years in New homemade soup lunch prepared by the chef of Women in Aviation Conference was being held Zealand, are Ninety-Nines the house and Pam’s 49'/2, Cecil. and the target of my trip. We stopped and checked Peggy Chabrian, lody We had lunch and an afternoon meeting with out some native Maori villages and diggings that McCarrell, Robbie Taylor, Mardell Haskins and Susan Helen Beard (some of you who worked the WPFC would be of interest on a tour next year in the Larson. in Fort Worth will remember Helen) and Pat Rotorua volcanic region. We finally arrived in Taupo where the Con­ ference was located and hooked up with Mardell Haskins who had flown the New Zealand Air Race. I gave my talk promoting The Ninety-Nines and encouraged them to apply for some of our schol­ arships next year when we have our 2005 confer­ ence in their region. Susan and I must have been a hit, this time 1 just loaned my jewelry, as when I started to give some of it away there were just too many choices. Susan did give her opportunity for a 10,000-foot skydive away to a brand new just-signed-up 99 - PR at its best, I tell you. Susan made a trip to town (I think she just knew I would not be able to drive on the left side of the road and didn’t want to take a chance) to download more Ninety-Nine applications, and to­ gether we just about doubled the size of the ac- tive New Zealand Section. They are looking for­ ward to us all coming to their country in 2005. It was very important that we met with the New Zealand girls, and with four of us there they knew we really cared. It was a sign of real support from International toward the 2005 conference. We are going to have a great time, come 2005. Make plans, ladies, you won’t want to miss it. Yes, after 17 days Susan and I are still speaking. After my arrival back in LA, I missed the plane to Little Rock, so Pat Prentiss picked me up and I went out to visit our Past President Thon Griffith DeLong since she has been under the weather. We had a wonderful time laughing and talking about past events and people, so if your ears are burning, there were only good things and laughter. Back in Arkansas, I ran up to Headquarters to check that out and then on Friday was off to the South Central Section Meeting, having to and for treating me so warmly. Receiving awards for the drive after I missed the plane at Texarkana. Our With one more to go.. .1 just had to get to the Around New Zealand Air Race at the Asia Pacific meeting went off great, and our speaker was as­ Southwest Section Meeting. I couldn’t believe Women in Aviation tronaut Linda Goodwin, who attended with her it, they had about 140 registered. The trip was Conference are: Event family. well worthwhile; this Section gave $10,000 to Flying Competition Came back on Sunday and was off on Mon­ the Fire Suppression System for the Museum and International Team from day to wear my other hat as Senior Chief Judge at Headquarters. I thank them all and for all their left: Best Pilot: Anna Stolk, the NIFA National Meet held at the Middle Ten­ hard work and participation in just about every Holland and New Zealand; Best Navigator: nessee State University in Murfreesboro. There project The Ninety-Nines comes up with. Had a Mardell Haskins, U.S.; Best were many Ninety-Nines helping as always. The chance to visit again with some old friends and Observers: Elizibeth Ninety-Nines give the Women’s Achievement really enjoyed meeting the young Ninety-Nines Derrick Australia; and Award and the Top Woman Pilot Award. I want to from the Santa Barbara Chapter who carted me Cathy Salvair, Australia. thank all the Ninety-Nines that give their time around and took me shopping. Everyone needs and money to come participate in this event. to visit the Southwest Section one time in their I was no sooner back home than off again on Ninety-Nines lives. Thursday to visit with many old friends in the This marks the end of my era and the start of Southeast Section and to meet new ones. Thank a new administration. It has been a pleasure serv- you, Cheryl Cichocki, for putting on a nice show ing you as your President.

INTERNATIONAL ELECTION RESULTS 2004- 2006

President: Elaine Morrow Nominating Committee: Karen Bailey, Carolyn Carpp, Minnesota Chapter - North Central Section Mary Foley, Pat Ohlsson, Susan Thomas Vice President: Patricia Prentiss - 99s Endowment Fund: Vicki Lynn Sherman, Gayl Henze Orange County Chapter, Southwest Section and Carolyn Van Newkirk Secretary: Donna Moore 99s Museum of Women Pilots: Bonita Ades and Marjorie Women with Wings Chapter - North Central Section Richison Treasurer: Susan Larson Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum: Kay Alley, Nelda Lee Rio Grande Norte Chapter - South Central Section and Nancy Miller Director: Linda Marshall Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholaship Fund: lenny Beatty Montana Chapter - Northwest Section Director: Frances Lockhart Tulsa Chapter - South Central Section DEAI.KK

A Tribute to the South Louisana Chapter

BY PAT WARD, Texas Wildflower Chapter

As the South his is the last time you will ever read a at Section meetings, in our smart blue poplin jack­ report from the South Louisiana Chapter, ets and fashionably short skirts standing behind Louisiana T so I hope you will indulge us with a little the Blue Angel pilots in their smart blue jumpsuits latitude on its length. at an air show, in paint-spattered jeans at Chapter retires South Louisiana Chapter members, some of airmarkings, in swimsuits at one of our camp-outs, whom chartered the Chapter on Mother’s Day in Flalloween costumes and cocktail dresses and after a glorious 1966, met in Baton Rouge at Lisa Cotham’s miniskirts with fashion boots and our hair piled 38 years, house on June 6 to bid our old friend, our Chap­ atop our smiling young faces in the bouffant style ter, farewell. Lisa and Pat Ward went to the Wedell- of the day. members gather Williams Memorial Aviation Museum in Starting with 15 members and occasionally Patterson, Louisiana, to retrieve for the occasion boasting as many as 20, South Louisiana Chap­ to recall fond our six scrapbooks tilled with memories and other ter ignited a spark for local aviation in Baton memories. artifacts which for years had been on loan to the Rouge and surrounding communities. Then- museum. President Alice Roberts admonished the 1,600- Attending, in addition to the Chapter’s member international organization that we were founder Pat Ward, were Dr. Sandra Leder and a Chapter to watch. Whatever we did was head­ Gladys Strean, now in the Lake Charles Chapter, line news, providing local pilots with educational Marion Baltzer and Fran Taylor of Baton Rouge, programs and precision flying events. and Shirley Penton (now Bonfiglio) of Ocala, Staging the first ever Pilots Poker Run, which Florida. Pat, Shirley and Lisa visited with Cal attracted 50 airplanes from four nearby states, Meredith, too physically impaired to travel from South Louisiana Chapter also moderated a meet­ her home in Baton Rouge, and Beverly Titzer ing of the minds between pilots and air traffic now of Ponchatoula, Louisiana at Cal's home. controllers when that situation became tense and “Remember” was the byword of the day as unsafe for both. members perused the 38 glorious years of the From that meeting evolved PATCO. We Chapter. Photos showed members in red pajamas staged a mock FAA violations trial at which a local aviation attorney and an FAA attorney from to curriculum administrators in public schools Photo opposite page: the Dallas Regional office served before a real across the country. South Louisiana members celebrate the Chapter's judge, also from Dallas. We flew penny-a-pound It was in 1969 that South Louisiana Chapter charter on May 8, 1966 at flights for charity, staged dealer demonstration was asked to host the 1971 terminus of the 25th Ryan Airport, Baton Rouge, shows and ferried Cessnas from Wichita for the Silver Anniversary Powder Puff Derby. We raised LA. From left, Yvonne Ryder, local distributor. the $5,000 AWTAR fee and captured the imagi­ Brenda Burley, Ian Phillips, When the Goodyear blimp paid a visit to nation of the entire community for the next 21 Helen Hooks, Nita Delaroderie, 19 66 Baton Rouge, it was The 99s who were put in months. The major sponsor of the race was Vir­ International President charge of scheduling VIP flights for local digni­ ginia Slims. Their motto “You’ve come a long Alice Roberts, Charter taries, giving us the opportunity to add another way, baby” took on a personal meaning for the Chapter Chairman Pat unique flying experience to our logbooks along­ 12 members with a total Chapter treasury of $15 Ward, Dionne Comeaux, side gliders and sailplanes, seaplanes, ultra-lights in 1969 to a $75,000 food and entertainment bud­ Moly Stockwell, Mary lean Presridge, Norma Spence, and hot air balloons. get, alone, for the record-breaking 200 competi­ lean Delarnette, Cerri tion airplanes. More than 1,000 visitors and race We held our membership drive meetings in Wilson, Barbara Teer, the Governor’s mansion. We were granted per­ contestants enjoyed our “Terminus Gumbo” for Foymae West, Gloria Ward mission by the U.S. military to land at the Ft. a week, and one of the race pilots even got mar­ Holm es. Polk Army base to tour the Vietnam training fa­ ried at one of our evening events at the historic cility in New Orleans and observe the then-new Pentagon Court near the state capitol. C-130; at the air base at Alexandria for lunch; We staged the now-famous Krewe of Puff and at the then super secure NASA facility in awards banquet as a fully functioning south Loui­ Stennis, Mississippi to tour the space craft being siana style Mardi Gras Ball with an elaborately assembled there, a privilege rarely granted in decorated hall, from carnations hanging from those days that required several months of secu­ helium balloons in the cathedral ceiling to au­ rity investigation of us all. thentic New Orleans Krewe costumes valued in At our request. Dr. Jerry Brown, a brilliant the hundreds of thousand dollars on manikins young NASA scientist, developed NASA’s edu­ stationed throughout the hall. cational program on “Sex and Reproduction in The old scrapbooks, again in the hands of Space.” using Barbie and Ken dolls in his slide members, will be disassembled, and the priceless presentation to give at a South Central Section collection of photographs and newspaper articles meeting. The program went on to become one of will be distributed among our members who were the most popular of the NASA educational pro­ there, invaluable and lasting mementos of the grams. days when we were “lady pilots” and commanded We instituted an exhibit on women pilots at awe-inspired attention for both our ability as pi­ the only museum at the time in Louisiana dedi­ lots and our dedication to the art and science of cated to aviation. In 1989, we served in Baton flight. Rouge as administrative staff for the first hot air balloon national competition ever held outside of Iowa, an aviation sport that became a new in­ dustry and continues to thrive today. We devel­ oped a safety seminar that insurance companies recognized with discounts for their insured. We held the first dual Section meeting for SES and SCS in 1976. We created the format for the Pilots Poker Run now profitably enjoyed by many chap­ ters and sections. Pat Ward founded the Aviation Association of Louisiana which ultimately succeeded in amending the constitution in the Louisiana leg­ islature to irrevocably dedicate aviation fuel tax receipts to airports throughout the state. There had been no funding in the state budget for avia­ Photo left: Enjoying the tion for more than a decade. chapter's scrapbook are from left, seated, Glad Dr. Sandra Leder developed an aerospace Strean, Sandra Leder, education program now taught in the public Shirley Penton and Lisa schools nationwide and has served as consultant Cotham. Above, Karl Sutterfield, Cretchen lahn Flying in the (husband and wife), and Mardell Haskins enjoy a spectacular view from The Remarkables above "Around New Zealand" Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand on a rest day during the race. 2004 Air Race

BY MARDELL HASKINS, Las Vegas Valley Chapter and GRETCHEN JAHN, Colorado Chapter

Ninety-Nines The Around New Zealand Air Race was a flying tour rather than a race. take on the Every day was an adventure and a wonderful way to see New Zealand challenge of (or any other country for that matter). The race was an international flying 3,000 event, including five teams from Australia, four from the U.S., three from miles over the varied terrain of England, one from Switzerland and one from Hong Kong, with a lone New Zealand. German and Frenchman who were both teamed with New Zealanders. he mix of airplanes in the race varied rection and altitude changes at each one. After substantially from a two-place Piper the briefing before each leg, we were given a set Pacer that flew a swift 80 mph, to a New of questions to answer at each check point, which Zealand Air Force entry flying a Beech helped to verify that we actually got there. Many King Air at 400 mph. There was just about every­checkpoints were lighthouses (New Zealand has thingT in between, including a helicopter piloted a lot of coastline, in fact more than the U.S.), but by a female team. There were 155 pilots and a some were tiny dozen members of the race committee in six chase towns in the planes that also accompanied the racers. middle of the In the true sprit of pilots around the Altogether, there were four emergency land­ bush. ings and numerous breakdowns, including our Since some world, when Team 15 made the sightseeing boat during a cruising tour of Milford legs were as short first emergency landing of the race, Sound. Sixty-two airplanes were registered, 60 as 14 NM, things started and 57 finished. got very busy try- Team 21 and Team 59 came to In the true sprit of pilots around the world, ing to locate when Team 15 (Mardell Haskins and Danielle checkpoints in their rescue. Boven) made the first emergency landing of the unfamiliar coun­ race the day before registrations, Team 21 and try, to fly by at the correct altitude and heading, Team 59 came to their rescue. Mardell Haskins to answer the questions, to take the time and to (Las Vegas Valley 99) went with Gretchen Jahn head off in a new direction, all at the top speed a (Denver 99) and husband Karl Sutterfield, while Cessna 182 or Piper Warrior could muster. It took Danielle Boven (New Zealand 99, an American three people to do all this, and we were glad that married to a New Zealander) teamed up with we had three on our teams. As Americans we had Denise Waters (99 member at large) and her part­ an extra handicap in that we needed interpreta­ ner Martin Pine. tion of New Zealand slang to understand the ques­ When Team 42 was forced to land on the tions and multiple choice answers (What is a flash Racers line their aircraft up beach, the airplane in front of them - that had an bach anyway?) Learning how to pronounce for takeoff after a lunch engineer (mechanic) on board - turned around, Maori names over the radio was equally daunt­ stop in Invercargill New landed and gave them assistance. On another ing and entertaining, such as Whenuapai (Fen Zealand on the tip of the occasion, local pilots split their teams up and oo a pie). South Island. rode with the inexperienced teams to help them fly through the narrow, rugged, glacier mountain canyons. In a show of the true spirit of race pilots around the world, when yet another team had mechanical problems on the next to last day of the race, they arrived at the finish airport on bi­ cycles! The race was not flown like the typical race in the U.S. There were two categories: speed and precision, and you could fly either one. All the airplanes flew at the same time, on the same leg, to the same place. Each team had a set starting sequence that was followed the entire race. There were 16 legs, flown over eight days (two legs per day), with four rest days scheduled every third day. There were also three pre-race days, three post-race days and two travel days needed just to take care of necessary logistics and requirements. The racecourse was over 3,000 miles long, with the entire group flying over 180,000 air miles. It was a very long race requiring three weeks to complete. The race covered most of both islands. Each leg consisted of a series of checkpoints, with di­ New Zealand he weather was a major factor as it was Yahoos, Team 61, in pink tails, the Southern Men, constantly changing, by the hour, usu­ No. 19, in leather Aussie hats, and the Blues Broth­ is stunningly ally for the worse, requiring adjust­ ers in shades. Each team had a team name and beautiful, very ments to almost every one of the 16 developed their own style and team spirit. We legs.T Mixed with the awesome views were some were The Coriolis Force, and Denise, Danielle and diverse, very scary moments flying up narrow glacier canyons. Martin were Team D XL. This was especially true when Arthur’s Pass The logistics of the race to transport, feed, dramatic and got snowed in and the planes were flying in both and shelter almost 200 people and to fuel 66 air­ quite awesome. directions up the valley on the south side and craft over 4,800 kilometers were substantial and then back down on the north side when they no small endeavor. It met all our had to turn around and come back. This resulted A travel agent accompanied the race, mak­ in an unexpected night’s stay in Hokitita and ing sure that food, lodging, transportation and expectations and missing a banquet at Wigram, AFB, in sightseeing tours ran as planned. Lunch and din­ was a flight of a Christchurch. ners were provided by local airport aero clubs Navigating was very difficult, due mostly and were quite good. lifetime! to the newly issued NZ charts and lack of navaids. The race was well organized and ran very We were not allowed to use a GPS, and the very smoothly. Race Director was 49V£ Mat Wakelin, few New Zealand VORs were no help. The charts and New Zealand 99 Dee Bond Wakelin was had numerous errors and no topographical defi­ Handicap and Safety Chairman. Along with their nition, among other things, and were a constant Race “Bored,” they did an excellent job of plan­ source of aggravation. To put it mildly, the charts ning and running the race. were terrible! Gretchen and Mardell agreed that this was The camaraderie and spirit among the race the hardest race they have ever flown. New teams was memorable. Team 13, the Borneo Pi­ Zealand is stunningly beautiful, very diverse, very rates, came dressed as pirates, complete with eye dramatic and quite awesome. It met all our expec­ patches, hook hands and a parrot. We had the tations and was a flight of a lifetime!

The snow-capped Minarets is a picturesque, multiple-peaked mountain on the South Island. C areers: Failing to Succeed — A Path to Successs

BY JENNY T. BEATTY International Careers Committee Chairman

O u r focus on the achievements of Pro 99s role models Scholarship application was turned down, probably because it sometimes obscures the fact that their road to success is paved in was three times more than the highest awards given at that time. failure and rejection. This was my road. The following year, my application was disqualified due to my My 1989 decision to become an airline pilot met with im­ error. Then Southwest offered a type rating scholarship for mi­ mediate. unwavering resistance. Mesa Airlines absolutely would norities; I heard about it after the deadline. not interview me. even though I was a local Albuquerque pilot Eventually the economy turned around, and United Air­ with an ATP, turboprop time, tons of night IFR mountain flying lines called to re-interview me for the job previously offered. experience and beaucoup letters of recommendation - far ex­ Don’t worry, you’re even more qualified now, everyone said. A ceeding their new-hire qualifications. Only much later did they mere formality, you’re already hired, everyone said. hire a woman pilot (not me). Except that I wasn't. American Eagle turned me down, too, and my airline pilot Onward I trudged. American and Continental Airlines weren’t career began in 1991 at Northwest Airlink flying the SAAB 340. hiring. I was the lone woman at the Phase I cattle-call at North­ Then I joined the very large club of women pilots rejected by west Airlines, then not invited to Phase II. My telephone inter­ United Airlines. Delta Airlines said they only hired pilots with view with Midwest Express went poorly. Then I did so well on 20/20 vision. the written exam at Airborne Express that they accused me of In early 1993 I interviewed at United again, and at Ameri­ cheating. can Airlines, and got job offers from both! My job search was I felt like a punching bag. Even so, my career track record over! My successful airline pilot career was in the bag! Before was one of continuous employment and steady advancement to getting a class date, however, the hiring cycle did an abrupt 180. larger aircraft and greater responsibilities. I never failed a United put their job offer on indefinite hold; American threw checkride, got fired, or was furloughed. everything in the trash; both began furloughing pilots. In early 1995 the wheel of fortune turned, the stars aligned, Life goes on. FedEx wasn't hiring. Note to self: It is not a and my ship came in. I was hired at RenoAir to fly the MD-80, good idea to get your first-ever speeding ticket on your way to a and, with my third AE Scholarship application, was awarded a job interview with a trucking company like United Parcel Ser­ United Airlines Type Rating Scholarship - all on the same day. vice. I landed a job as captain and check airman on the Beechcraft “Failing to succeed” means that persistence through failure 1900 for Arizona Airways. is the path to success. And with all the blood, sweat, and many Despite no funds, I decided to pursue a 737 type rating to many tears I shed in overcoming failure and rejection, I cherish apply to Southwest Airlines. My first Amelia Earhart Memorial my achievements all the more.

P ro 99s Profile: Kristen Mansel By Betsy Jordan Donovan, International Careers Committee

K risten Mansel’s aviation inspira­ nia and is a member of the Mount Diablo Chapter. Kristen is tion came at an early age from her grand­ grateful to The Ninety-Nines for the scholarships from the Sacra­ father who flew L-5s during WWII, her mento Valley Chapter and the Amelia Earhart Memorial Schol­ father who was a pilot, and her brother arship for her multi-engine instructor rating. who was learning how to fly in Concord, Kristen’s advice for pilots just starting out is to obtain the California. Riding along in the back of the airplane during her flight instructor certificate and ratings for the experience of teach­ brother's lessons, Kristen felt a sense of freedom. ing people how to fly because “you learn from watching others.” Her own career took wings on her 15th birthday when her She recommends “getting involved with and giving back to the family gave her an introductory flight as a gift. Soloing at 16, aviation community by joining groups, mentoring and network­ Kristen never looked back. Today she flies as a charter pilot for ing.” She is also a 2004 Amelia Earhart Scholarship winner for Berry Aviation on the Fairchild Metroliner in Southern Califor- her B-737 type-rating - congratulations, Kristen! FELICITY MCKENDRY She Had The Dream of Flight

BY DOROTHY RUNGELINC First Canadian Chapter

Born the same hen one looks at how Felicity try business” sponsored by a Rotary Club pro­ Bennett McKendry developed motion. A Rotarian provided her with 50 chicks year in which into the great pilot that she be­ which she was to carefully nurture with the un­ The 99s was came, it seems that there is no derstanding that four choice, oven-ready birds Wdoubt that flying was her destiny. would Step by be stepreturned to him in the fall. She, herself, formed, Felicity from the time she was old enough to talk, it could had to do all the work that was necessary to raise McKendry was be seen that she must be in the air to be totally them, then in the autumn choose four chickens happy. Perhaps it was the year in which she was from her flock and get them ready for roasting. If destined to fly. born, 1929, the same year that The Ninety-Nines she succeeded in doing her part she was entitled was formed. to keep the rest of the chickens as her own. Then As a child she got an allowance of 25 cents she could gather the eggs they laid and have a Photo above: Felicity, an a week, the normal amount given children at that little income of her own from then on. eleven year old in 1941, However there were still a couple of roosters launches her rubber time. For this she had to do certain chores around powered flying model, a the house and barn. When she got enough saved in her flock, which of course did not add to the “ Trail Blazer" that she up she would immediately purchase a model air­ coffer by laying eggs, so she sold one of them to built. In 1995 this picture plane kit and build models powered by rubber her Aunt Helen. It was money she realized from was on display in the bands. She never missed a radio program she lis­ this sale that paid for her first airplane ride. This Canadian National Avia­ tion Museum's special tened to after school called Captain Sparks and ride stimulated her to push on all the more to exhibition “HIGH FLYERS" Orphan Annie. achieve her goal. She was heading straight for it which recognized When she was 12 she started her own "poul­ without a waver. Canadian women pilots. he dreamed of being a stewardess, but Felicity’s guidance he obtained his private li­ Sitting on old by the time she finished high school she cence in 1954. From there he attended the Air had shot up to a model’s height of 5 feet Traffic Control course and was slated to begin crates we looked 9Vi inches, which was considered too tall work at Ottawa. forS that job according to airline standards. Five In 1955 when I was instructing at Welland, I at each other feet 6 inches was then the maximum height. She invited Felicity to be my co-pilot in the All even tried to get a job flying with an airline, but Woman Transcontinental Air Race. She was flown rather despair­ at that time ladies were supposed to be ladies, to Welland by this chap named Spence. Little ingly wondering and the cockpit was not a place for ladies. A fe­ did I know they were to marry in a few months male then always had two sure choices for a vo­ time, but when they kissed goodbye I thought it what we would cation, that of a nurse or a teacher, so Felicity must be more than just a free ride to Welland. At chose the teaching profession and attended “nor­ the time I had no idea of her background. I didn’t do if we couldn't mal” school, as it was called then, and started on even know she had an instructor rating. She had get gas and no her job of teaching. been recommended to me as someone who would By 1950 she had enough money to join the jump at the chance just to get the experience of a one rescued us. Kingston Flying Club and take lessons. In 1951 long distance race. she obtained her private pilot licence, and what a So I was extremely surprised when I found day that must have been after all the years of that she was an excellent map reader, could handle climbing the ladder, to actually hold it in her the controls efficiently and above all was mar­ hand and memorize the number of her license. velous company. Later on I found that we had She had done it. She was a pilot! However she both obtained our instructor rating in 1953! We was not about to put the licence in a drawer think­ very soon formed a bond which I am sure will ing, “Well I did it” and slowly forget about fly­ never be broken. The next year I had no hesita­ Felicity and Dorothy, out ing. The star she had been following for years tion as to who I wanted as co-pilot, and again we of gas in Blythe, California, was still just as bright as ever. Now she had the were flying the skies together. Then Nature took wonder if they are going to tools so she could finish the job. its course and Felicity started her family, giving melt in the 117-degree In 1952 she became a member of The Ninety- flying a holiday for a few years. heat. Nines. Doug Wagner, the CFI at Kingston Flying Club, could see the potential Felicity had and offered her a job as a full-time instructor if she could manage to get her commercial licence and an instructor rating by the spring of 1953. She had no qualms about resigning her position as a teacher to have the time to achieve this. To her it was a dream come true. Not only had she become a pilot, but now she would have the opportunity to teach others what she most loved. So she flew, practiced all the maneuvers she might be asked to perform, studied her “patter book,” and by 1953 she was ready. She was not only the first woman instructor at Kingston Fly­ ing Club but also the first woman member of that club to receive a commercial licence. When Sep­ tember rolled around, Felicity tells of the relief of not having to get to school to teach on that “first day of school.” Rather, she was at the air­ port refueling a Fleet Canuck. It was the first time since the age of six that she was not returning to a classroom in September. As she remarks: “What a sense o f freedom!” This was to be a year of two loves. She was instructing a pupil named Spence and soon they found that their mutual love of airplanes turned into love for each other. Spence had his sights set for a job as an air traffic controller. Under ow when I look back at our birthdates, hers in 1929 and mine in 1911,1 was really old enough to be her mother, but it never felt that N way. She had a great sense of humour. One year we had landed at Blythe, California to refuel on our way out to the AWTAR start. It was 117° F on the ground, and we could find no one around to gas us up. Not being able to stand it out in that blazing sun we entered a hangar expecting to see someone. Not a soul in sight. We knew there must be someone on the airport, but where? Sitting on old crates, we looked at each other rather despairingly wondering what we would do if we couldn’t get gas and no one rescued us. Then we started to laugh at our predicament. For Above, Felicity with her husband Spence. She some reason (perhaps the heat), we found it ex­ holds her International ceedingly hilarious that we could fly all those Forest of Friendship miles over desert and mountains and now just induction certificate die of the heat because no one was around. I jok­ presented to her by the ingly said of California: “What kind of a state is late Fay Cillis Wells. this?” Her humour came to the fore and she re­ plied: “The State of Hysteria!” Luckily we had a Photo far right: Dorothy self timer camera with us so we set it up on some­ and Felicity flew together in the 1955 Transcontin­ thing we found around the hangar, sat back down ental Air Race. on our crates and took a picture of ourselves! If we died in the heat we would at least leave a record of why! One of her most memorable times was in 1986 Felicity and Spence were married in 1955 when she gave Marc Garneau [Canadian astro­ and started a new life in Ottawa. This meant that naut] the flight test for his private licence. Spence she had to give up her job at Kingston, but she retired on the same day. What a milestone to soon found a place at Bradley Air Services where record! Felicity and Spence had by now decided she instructed in 1956 and part of 1957. Then to spend their retirement years in Kingston so her flying had to take second place to the birth Felicity instructed part-time at her old stomping of her son David. In 1961 a daughter, Sandra, ground, Kingston Flying Club, until 1988. joined them. By 1967 the children were in school With all her fulfilled dreams and experiences so Felicity decided it was time to get back in the now behind her, Felicity let her licence lapse in air and accepted a job with Margaret Carson’s 1992. However, she treats herself every year to an Ottawa Aero Services and later with Rockcliffe airplane ride—just to take another look at the Flying Club. It was here that she obtained her star she followed for so long. Class 1 instructor rating and Designated Flight Felicity's Footnotes: Test Examiner status. Eastern Ontario Chapter It was indeed a distinct honour when my members attend the “Alma Mater” Eastern Ontario 99 Chapter spon­ Forest of Friendship sored my induction in the International Forest o f “Party" in luly 1993 at Friendship on June 19,1993 and to receive my Felicity's home celebrating certificate from Fay G illis Wells. From that con­ her induction into the tact 1 continued to communicate with Fay, and it Forest. Back row, from left: ludy Nicholls, Lorna was a pleasure to work with her as the East deBlicquy, Felicity, Kathy Canada Section liaison to the Forest of Friend­ Lutley Borland, Sue Begg, ship. Among others 1 arranged to have Margaret Gladys Toffelmire, Debbie Carson and Dorothy Rungeling inducted in the Russel, Cerda Rucker- Forest. On June 16, 2001 1 was there when Mar­ bauer; Front: Barbara Collins, Peggy garet was inducted, posthumously, and there on Beeman, Cathy Fraser, behalf of Violet Milstead Warren when 1 accepted Carolyn Thomas and | n her certificate. Dorothy Berthelet. i l l THE NINETY-NINES WELCOMES THESE 95 NEW 99s, ACADEMIC MEMBERS AND FUTURE WOMEN PILOTS

ACADEMIC: HARTLAUB,Christina Marie, Wisconsin Chapter • HEINS, Maria Christina, Mid-Columbia Chapter • MITCHARD, Agnes Marie, Greater Pittsburgh Chapter • PEREIRA, Shannon Deolinda, Intercollegiate Internet Chapter • REKSC, Magdalena, Hampton Roads Chapter • SKAGGS, Kaleena Ann, Kentucky Bluegrass Chapter • SLOAN, Amanda Rae, San Gabriel Valley Chapter • FUTURE WOMAN PILOT: ALEXANDER, V. Maurine, Lake Charles Chapter ‘ ALLEN, Rebecca Mari , Albuquerque Chapter • AMERSON, Kayleen M. , Nebraska Chapter • BARBER, Lisa Anne, Virginia Chapter • BARNA, Tenley K., Intercollegiate Internet Chapter • BECKER, Darlene E., Wisconsin Chapter • CHARLES, Constance E., San Diego Mission Bay Chapter • ELLIOTT, Norine S., San Luis Obispo Co. Chapter • EWING, Darlene A., Idaho Chapter • FAULKNER, Lynette R., Alaska Chapter • FLORIO, Kate, Rio Grande Norte Chapter • FRIESE, Patricia Lena, Minnesota Chapter • MEREDITH, Carol Ann, San Gabriel Valley Chapter • MINDOCK, Jennifer Ann, San Fernando Valley Chapter • NUSSELDER, Christina Audrey, Carolinas Chapter • ORIGER, Deborah F., Oregon Pines Chapter • POWELL, Lisa, San Diego Mission Bay Chapter • PROBST, Laura Lynn, Wisconsin Chapter • SIEBE, Sally Jo, Greater St. Louis Chapter • SIEMSEN, Pamela A., Aloha Chapter • SORENSEN, Sherry Ann, Willamette Valley Chapter • ST. CLAIR, Mary A., Santa Rosa Chapter • STIMSON, Mary-Jane, Santa Rosa Chapter • TINCH, Lora R., Greater Cincinnati Chapter • VANDER GRAAF, Adriana E., Ventura County Chapter • VELTE, Margaret J., Palomar Chapter • WORKS, Sara Anne, Arkansas Chapter • NINETY-NINE: ANDERSON, Christy Ann, Arkansas Chapter • ARNOLD, Janet E., Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter • BLOW, Sharlee M., Coachella Valley Chapter • BOBEK, Janice C., Cook Inlet Chapter • BOWSER, Judy Mae, Southeast Section • BROAD, Glenda Carolyn, Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter • BROOMFIELD, Robin Elizabeth, Alaska Chapter • BROWNE, Dorothy Jeanne, Rio Grande Norte Chapter • CAMPBELL, Joan Anne, New Zealand Section • CANNON, Janet Mansfield, Indiana Dunes Chapter • CLOTHIER, Cathy Colebrook, Kansas Chapter • COMEAU, Carole Gene, Alaska Chapter • COMPTON, Patricia Anne, Florida Goldcoast Chapter • COOMBES, Margaret Lillian, Finger Lakes Chapter • CROZIER, Catherine Bridget, Reno Area Chapter • DRYSDALE, Karen British Columbia Coast Chapter • EDWARDS, Lori N.Northeast Kansas Chapter, • RALEIGH, Sharon Louise, Women With Wings Chapter • FRANK, Leslie McMahon, Pikes Peak Chapter • FRUEHLING, Gudrun Rogge, Coachella Valley Chapter • GARBINI, Florence Emily, Colorado Chapter • HARRIS, Mary-Jane Frances, Garden State Chapter • HARROD, Dianah Lynette, Oklahoma Chapter • ISBELL, Eva M., Fort Worth Chapter • KNAPP, Lorena Anne, Alaska Chapter • KNIGHT, Wendy Sunday, Colorado Chapter • KOLASA, Caroline, First Canadian Chapter • KRAEMER, Cheryl Small, New Orleans Chapter • KRASS, Teresa Brayson, Florida Suncoast Chapter ‘ LAWRENCE, Christine Ann, Oklahoma Chapter • LONG, Pamela L., Santa Rosa Chapter • LUCK, Marceline Dorothy, Member At Large • MCKENNA, Tricia M., Montana Chapter • MCKINLEY, Sarah Jane, Greater Kansas City Chapter • MCNAMARA, Lynn Kathleen, Alaska Chapter • MEENGS, Ann Louise, Section North Central Section • MULDER, Marianne E., Florida Suncoast Chapter • MUSTERS, Rosemary C.A., New Zealand Section • NAUMAN, Marion Elizabeth, Southwest Section • NIELSEN, Monica Anne, Colorado Chapter • NILSEN, Natalie Ann, Sacramento Valley Chapter • NOLAN, Jamie Skoff, Chicago Area Chapter • PEEBLES, Molly Elizabeth, Western Washington Chapter • PIERSCIONEK, Julie Michelle, Kentucky Bluegrass Chapter • PRENTICE, Jacey Deann, Northwest Section • PRIOR, Lynda Joy, New Zealand Section • RECKER, Terri D., Tucson Chapter • ROMAN- AMADOR, Becky, Washington DC Chapter • RUSSO, Sadie Jean, Colorado Chapter • SANDHAGEN, Sheryl Jean, San Gabriel Valley Chapter • SAPERSTEIN, Linda G., Phoenix Chapter • SCHNEIDER, Mary-Ellen, North Central Section* SHUEY, Laura Suzanne, Colorado Chapter • STARK, Christina Catherine, North Central Section • SUTTLE, Penny Lindon, Women With Wings Chapter • SWANN, Linda Kay, Albuquerque Chapter • THOMAS, Julie Ann, Washington DC Chapter • TINKLER, Sharon W., Colorado Chapter • WALSH, Shannon Elizabeth, Greater St. Louis Chapter • WHITE, Marilyn J., Arkansas Chapter • WONG, Jennifer T., Mid-Atlantic Section. Treasurer. Other travelers were Trish Beckman, Naval Commander (ret.) and currently a Flight Test Navigator for Boeing’s Commercial Airplane Group; Vicki’s brother Dino and her father Bob; Pat and Bob Wagner; Eileen and Michael Smyser; From Russia with Love - Richard and Sue Packer and their son Rich; and Laina Reeves, aircraft mechanic for Goodrich. The new members of The Ninety-Nines Rus­ and Gracious Hospitality sian Section, along with other members of BY ELIZABETH BROCK, Finger Lakes Chapter Aviatrissa (Russian aviation organization for and BOBBI ROE, Greater Seattle Chapter women), welcomed our group with exceptional hospitality. Valentina Ivanova Kotlyar (retired Aeroflot Pilot and Governor of the Russian Sec­ tion), along with her son Vova, spent many hours planning our activities in Moscow. Veronica Stanislavovna Aistova (FWP, 99s Ninety-Nines he new Russian Section of The Ninety- Russian Section) traveled 2,000 miles from Nines was formed in February 2004. In Novosibirsk to meet our group and help escort us and friends May of this year, Vicki Rulli (FWP and around Moscow. Khalide Khusyainovna enjoyed visiting Treasurer, Russian Section) led a di­ Makagonova (champion aerobatic pilot, 99s Rus­ verse, 15-person group on a special aviation-sian Section), who is the current president of themedT tour of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Aviatrissa, and Galina Pavlovna Brok-Beltsova the newly In addition to exploring Russia’s cultural (WWII Navigator on the PE-2 dive bomber), formed Russian and aviation heritage, a major purpose of the trip helped to organize a special reception with Section and was to build relationships between pilots and Aviatrissa and veterans of the women’s air regi­ aviation organizations of both countries. ments of the Great Patriot War. meeting famed We were a diverse group of aviation enthu­ Galina Gabitovna Dmitrukova (retired siasts, including Ninety-Nines Elizabeth Brock, Aeroflot pilot, 99s Russian Section) met us at the women pilots Finger Lakes Chapter; Bobbi Roe, Greater Se­ St. Petersburg train station and again saw us off attle Chapter; Judy Stiles, Finger Lakes Chap­ with a delicious gift of Russian cakes. Liubov of World War II. ter; and Vicki Rulli, FWP and Russia Chapter Alexandrovna Rylova (retired Aeroflot pilot, 99s Russian Section) escorted us to many sites and had friends who arranged a special visit to Star City, where the cosmonaut training center is lo­ cated. Russian Test Cosmonaut Nadezhda Vasilievna Kuzhelnaya (Aeroflot pilot, 99s Rus­ sian Section) met us at both the Monino Russian Air Force Museum and at Star City and made us feel welcome. Our trip was packed full of wonderful people and amazing experiences. In Moscow we stayed at Hotel Alfa, one of four separate blocks of the Ismailovo Gamma-Delta Hotel Moscow (other blocks are Beta, Vega, and Gamma-delta). During the 1980 Moscow Olympics the hotel complex was used to accommodate many of the athletes attending the games. The hotel overlooks Ismailosvsky park of Culture and Leisure and Moscow’s new residential area. On two evenings we watched fireworks along the river from our Enjoying a tour at the Monino Air Force Museum are Valentina Kotlyar, Russian rooms. 99s Section Governor, retired Aeroflot pilot; Tatiana Sorokina, glider pilot; Nadezhda Vasilievna Kuzhelnaya, 99, cosmonaut, Tu-134 pilot; Veronica, singer Our first day in Moscow, we were met at the and niece of Liubov Rylova; Svetlana Kapanina, world aerobatic champion; Vicki Monino Aviation Museum by several of the Rus­ Rulli, Russian 99s Section Treasurer; Liubov Rylova, 99, retired Aeroflot pilot; Olga sian women pilots, including Galina Brok- Borisova, glider pilot. Beltsova and Nadezhda Kuzheinaya. The museum director gave us a tour of the museum, and later we walked along the flight line of the static dis­ play and took photographs of the Russian women in front of their airplanes. We later had lunch at Traktir, a western style saloon. On Victory Day we met WWII veterans in front of the Bolshoi Theater in Red Square. The Russian WWII women pilots and navigators gave us long-stemmed flowers as we all walked to the Kremlin to place flowers on the grave of Marina Raskova behind the Lenin Mausoleum. In World War II, Marina had organized three all-women combat aviation regiments (fighters, night bomb­ ers and day bombers). Since the Chechen Presi­ dent was assassinated on May 9,2004, Red Square was closed to most people. As we were escorted from the Kremlin, we stopped and waited by a large iron gate until we were taken to view the eternal flame of the Un­ known Soldier. The impressive military chang­ ing of the guard was accomplished with a tradi­ tional high-stepping march, and after the new guard took position, the Russian women placed Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center at Star City World War II veterans flowers on the memorial. by an official translator for the cosmonauts. We honor the late Marina Raskova, who during that Next was our tour inside the Kremlin to view were able to view the centrifuge, simulators and war organized three all­ The State Diamond Fund - a dazzling exhibition water training tanks. women combat aviation of diamonds, gold, pearls, crowns, jewelry and The trip was exceptionally successful as we regiments. From left: state regalia primarily from Tsarist times. En­ met and made lasting friendships with the Rus­ Galina Brok-Beltsova; trance is generally restricted, but we were very sian women pilots and the young Russian inter­ Zamaraeva Klaudia Aleksandrovna, WWII privileged to be the invited guests of the Russian preters who accompanied us on our excursions. Colonel, airport women and among only a few select people to be Special thanks to Vicki Rulli and the Russian communications; allowed on Red Square during the celebration 99s and their friends and family who all made and Neminushaya for the Patriotic War. the trip possible! Valentina Abramovna; The Zhukovsky Aviation Museum was Future plans for The 99s Russian Section WWII Fighter Pilot. opened by the director especially for our visit. include designing an exhibit for the Oklahoma Nikolai Egorovich Zhukovsky (1847-1921) is City Museum dedicated to the history and ac­ known as the Father of Russian Aviation. As early complishments of Russian women aviators. as 1891 he began to study the dynamics of flight, If you would like more information on the concentrating on lift and high speed aerodynam­ new 99s Russian Section or would like to receive ics. At the museum we were able to view his aero­ the Russian Section newsletter, please contact dynamics lab, models and wind tunnel - along Elizabeth Brock, [email protected]. with a glider Zhukovsky had purchased from Otto Lilienthal. The simulator at Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center In Moscow we met with WWII veterans, mili­ at Star City. tary women and other Aviatrissa members at a special tea reception. Joining us at the tea was Svetlana Protasova. Svetlana was trained to fly high performance jets in the 1990s and became PHOTOS BY: Trish the first Russian woman to fly the MiG-29. Like Beckman, Elizabeth Brock, many of the other Russian women pilots, Svetlana Lanai Reeves, Bobbi Roe, is finding it increasingly difficult to have the Dino Rulli, Michael Smyser, |udy Stiles. opportunity to fly in her country. At this gather­ ing gifts were exchanged and an invitation given Please see page 32 for to return next year for their Aviatrissa meeting. more photographs of the Our group was also guided through the Russian trip. interaction with someone else about their pas­ sion for flying before I realized that there might be something there for me. Or maybe I just wasn’t at the stage in my life where I could focus and The Perfect Passion spend time, attention and money on me. Or maybe it just took an introductory flight in a little BY MARY ELLEN MORRIS Cessna, trying to figure out where we were based Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter on not much more than blue sky around me. But whatever the reason, I started to think that I, too, had found the perfect passion. So in August, 1 decided to learn to fly. Being first met my friend Grace at a business con­ the Type A first-born that I am, I took care of all of ference in San Diego in 1992. Grace was an the preparations first. I went for my Student Pilot overworked, under-appreciated staffing physical. I joined AOPA and established my new director for a Fortune 100 aircraft manufac­ friend as a mentor through AOPA’s Project Pilot turer.I Grace’s husband was a pilot with a major Program. I joined the local chapter of The 99s as airline and her son was just graduating from the a Future Woman Pilot to give me the moral sup­ Air Force Academy first in his class, and she was port and encouragement that I knew I would des­ involved in all of the discussions and activities perately need and that only other women can pro­ that pilots and their families share. I was in a vide. I enlisted the help of a flying colleague at similar job and was working through some per­ work, who responded to ongoing questions. I sonal issues. talked to my family about what it was that I wanted For reasons that we haven’t quite figured to do and how I would need their support in help­ out yet, Grace and I bonded and immediately ing me reach my goal. And I structured my began sharing information about our jobs, our finances to allow me to indulge my newfound families and the best shoe stores. Best, however, perfect passion and still allow me to eat. After years of were the conversations we had about what we For the next few months, I tried to fly every were doing with our lives. We were pretty sure week at my local Part 161 flight school and stud­ searching for her we didn’t want to be full-time housewives, even ied diligently, using Cessna’s Cleared fo r Take­ if the economy and our finances allowed us to o ff multimedia ground school training system. I life's passion, do that, yet neither of us was particularly en­ attended our Eastern Pennsylvania chapter of The thralled with our careers. Ninety-Nines monthly meetings and aviation We spent a lot of time talking about how events. In addition to the Cleared fo r Takeoff pro­ Mary Ellen jealous we were of Grace’s husband. He woke up gram, I used Sporty’s Study Buddy for online study in the morning thinking about flying, and he and to m onitor my academic progress so I’d know finally found it didn’t stop thinking about it until he went to when I reached the point where I was prepared to bed. Flying was not only his job, it was his world. take the written exam. in flying. He had, said Grace, a passion for flying. I found it frustrating to work around the va­ Grace and I spent a lot of time in those days garies of weather and work and family demands, trying to find our own passions. While she so after taking and passing the written exam, I worked even harder at her job, I worked through decided to take a couple of weeks vacation and my personal challenges and took a job with an­ go to Florida to get some flying time in. I soloed other company, hoping that maybe it would help in Florida and completed all of the requirements me find my place in life, one that would lead me for my practical flight test. When I returned home to the passion that Grace and I were still trying to to Pennsylvania, I continued flying weekly and find. It didn’t though, and Grace and I continued eventually took my practical flight test and to talk about and assess a lot of things that one passed. might get passionate about - golf, writing, travel, The past few months have provided me with art, cooking - but no matter how hard we tried, challenge, camaraderie and somehow, despite the we just couldn’t identify the perfect passion. work and stress, a sense of serenity that 1 don’t A few months ago, I met a new friend who, think I had before. I plan to continue my flying interestingly, also had a passion - flying. My and my studies, and enjoy the new friendships friend’s passion was contagious, and I was anx­ that I have found in The Ninety-Nines; I particu­ ious to learn more. Maybe I’m a slow learner, and larly look forward to the annual International maybe that’s why it took more conversation and Conference in July. I can’t wait to tell Grace! am an unlikely pilot. I don’t have an avia­ tion background, nor did I come from an avia­ tion family. I never lived near an airport and, until last fall, had never been in a small plane. I'mI a short, skinny-weenie, girly-girl. I’m high The Unlikely Pilot maintenance and completely self-absorbed. I highlight my hair religiously, get my nails done BY RUTH HOLZEM Florida Suncoast Chapter weekly and wear spiky heels whenever possible. My husband still puts gas in my car because I think it’s, well, icky. A nervous flyer, I took a tranquilizer to fly commercially. In fact, I was a 41-year old soccer plane. I can’t land it just yet, but I can take off, Despite being mom of three, working happily away at a local figure out where I am and where I’m going, and elementary school when my phone rang, and I “keep the shiny side up,” as my instructor is fond was offered a better job working for a guy I’ve of saying. admittedly high known a long time: A judge and a pilot, and a There’s no aviation career in my future, and newly-minted CFI. I’ll never be a hotshot aerobatic pilot. I’ll prob­ maintenance, A few years before, when he took my little ably never fly anything more exciting than a boys up for Young Eagles flights in his open- Cessna 172. But I’ll be competent, safe and con­ Ruth Holzem is cockpit Pietenpol, I commented, truthfully, “I’ve fident with that. Not only will I love every sec­ always wanted to learn to fly.” He recommended ond of it, I will have accomplished something learning to fly. a few books and encouraged me to go for it. I that I never really thought was within my reach. actually went out and bought the books and I am better for it; my children will be better for it. promptly set them on the shelf to collect dust. I’m lucky to have a very patient instructor Years went by. Then one of my children died who works at my pace, winding our lessons of cancer. So I left the school, went to work for around a full-time job, my kids’ basketball games, the judge, and two weeks later I was holding on Cub Scouts and music lessons. He doesn’t laugh for dear life as we rolled down Runway 5 at out loud at my utter lack of aviation knowledge Naples Municipal Airport in his Cessna 140A (or technical knowledge in general), but I shud­ for my introductory flight. der to think about the stories he may be tempted As a judge, he’s a student of human nature to share with his fellow CFIs or the “real” pilots. and adept at reading body language. He didn’t My list of “things I’ve always wanted to do” think I’d return the following Saturday for my grows shorter each year because I’ve learned the next lesson. importance of actually crossing things off such a But I did. I even bought myself a new, shiny list. But there’s no doubt that my private pilot red headset for my first official lesson. I put it on certificate will be one of my favorite accomplish­ backwards. ments. I have 17‘/2 hours under this designer belt I'll let you know when I’m one of the “real” Ruth Holzem and her now. I’ve learned a tremendous amount, not only pilots! instructor Ted Brousseau. about flying, but about myself. I’ve learned that north is 0 or 360. I didn't know that before. I’ve learned that I should have paid much closer at­ tention in math during high school. I’ve learned the proper number and configuration of pillows I need under and behind me so I can reach the rudder pedals and brakes. I’ve learned that car­ buretor ice can form in the middle of a Florida summer. My cute pink sandals are not appropriate flying shoes - nor do I recommend short skirts. I’m a sweaty mess by the time I finish the pre-flight here in humid southwest Florida, but much to our mutual surprise. I've found a few things that needed fixing before taking off. Oh...and I’ve learned that I can fly an air- 29 Honorees Inducted into the International Forest of Friendship

BY UNTON WELLS Co-Chair, International Forest of Friendship Twenty of the 29 honorees are shown in this picture: Front row: his year’s ceremonies at the International Forest of Nellie Reynolds, Athena Masson, Bernita Nickell (for Roger Nickell), Betty Tackabeny Blake, Deanie Bishop Parrish. Second row: Kehinda Friendship were held in Atchison on June 18-20. The (Kay) Adeduji, Alice Katherine Henry, Lisa Anne Cotham, Linda children’s events, parade of flags, induction of honor­ Mae Draper (for Francis Dias Custavson), ludith Anne Bolkema- ees and banquet were held on Saturday, June 19. Tokar, for Francis Powell, Martha M iddendorf Taylor, Nancy Hecksel The theme this year was “Discovery through Flight.” In keep­ (for herself and Warren Hecksel). Third Row: Della Abernathy, F.G. ingT with that theme, the keynote speaker at the Saturday evening Shutsy Reynolds for Hazel Ying Lee, Connie Luhta (for Elizabeth Toedt), Arnold Zimmerman. Back row: Stephen Oswald, Elgin Long banquet was Astronaut Stephen S. Oswald, veteran of three space for Marie K. Long, Lynne Salton for Laurel Blair Salton Clark, Lin flight missions, a former Deputy Associate Administrator at NASA Wells (co-charperson). and now in charge of space operations for Boeing. Steve also was the astronaut who accompanied Fay Gillis Wells on her visit to the Kennedy Space Flight Center in 1999 when she went to It was a busy weekend in Atchison with the city’s 150'h anni­ see Eileen Collins launched as the first female shuttle commander. versary celebrations underway at the same time, and the dedica­ Steve spoke on the President’s new vision for NASA tion of a new riverfront park along the Missouri. Over the Fourth and space exploration and the steps recently announced to of July weekend, Atchison also hosted events related to the 200th implement it. anniversary of Lewis and Clark’s “Corps of Discovery.” The morning of June 19 was clear, but chilly, as 29 honorees Next year’s theme will be “Forests and Flying,” followed in were inducted. Some 55 Ninety-Nines attended as well. Cindy 2006 by the Forest’s 30th anniversary events built around “World Apple, daughter of Co-chairman Pat Carrigan and granddaugh­ Friendship Through Flying.” We look forward to having a sig­ ter of founding Co-General Chairman Joe Carrigan, read the nificant international dimension to the 2006 celebration. honorees’ biographies, while Lin Wells, Fay’s son, handed out We appreciated the strong Ninety-Nines turnout this year the certificates. and look forward to even more participation in 2005.

Fifty-five Ninety-Nines attended the 2004 International Forest of Friendship ceremonies )une 18-20 in Atchison, Kansas. GRAND i MARSHALL

From loft, Ninety-Nines Pat Waldrop, Barbara Sierchio and Nancy Wright serve as Grand Marshals of the Sun 'n Fun parade.

Thirty Years of Sun 'n Fun: A Salute to Volunteers

BY BARBARA SIERCHIO Florida Suncoast Chapter

he Florida Suncoast Chapter helped prepare for Sun 'n We hosted 29 fifth graders from the Skycrest Elementary Fun in March by repainting the compass rose in front of School in Clearwater, along with their teacher Earnest Johnson Sun 'n Fun Headquarters Building and repainting “Sun 'n and Suncoast Chairman Marie Grein. These children are in “My T Fun” on the taxiway. Nancy Wright and Barbara Sierchio Firstat­ Wings” program that Marie created and puts on at the school tended the planning meetings in January, February and March. every Friday. The Florida Suncoast chapter paid for the bus ex­ Sun 'n Fun opened on Tuesday, April 13 with cool, rainy and pense with money from a NASA grant for their work in aerospace windy weather. We even used the heat in the building for several education. Sun 'n Fun provided passes and gave them a tour. The mornings. However, by the end of the week the weather had children got a lesson in aviation history by meeting the WASPs turned sunny and balmy. and Colonel Charles McGee. They were buzzing with excite­ Attendance at The Ninety-Nine building this year included ment on the bus home, according to Marie. 100 guests, one of whom was the great-nephew of Nancy Love The balloon launch went off without a hitch on Sunday Harkness. There were 150 Ninety-Nines and fifty 49'/2S. Marja- morning with over 30 balloons. Just after the launch The 99s Sisko Kiuas of the Finnish Section visited and took 99 bro­ had the honor of being Grand Marshal of the volunteer parade. chures home to recruit more members. Southeast Section Gover­ We led the parade around the perimeter of the campground and nor Cheryl Cichocki attended one day and Vicki Sherman gave back to the reviewing stand where we were presented a trophy. seminars in the forum tents and worked in the FAA building. We Nancy Wright drove the golf cart without a mishap and Pat signed up four new Future Woman Pilots, three new full mem­ Waldrop and Barbara Sierchio tossed beads to our admiring crowd. bers and had three reinstatements. Robert Waldrop, 49‘/2, had enhanced our cart with wings and a The WASPS and Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee shared tail and eight pinwheel “engines.” We had our usual flags and our building. Nancy Wright arranged the joint luncheon, and 54 blew air horns to wake up the campground. people including 99s, guests, WASPs and two Tuskegee Airmen Volunteers in the building were Rita DeBeer, Dina deLuise, attended. The following WASPs introduced themselves and told Marie Grein, Elinor Kline, Jane Oparowski, Barbara Sierchio, a little of their history: Ethel Finley, Caro Bosca, Leonora Ander­ Pat Waldrop, Nancy Wright and Barbara Yeninas. Special thanks son, Ruth Hubert, Ruth Fleisher and Fran Sargent. to 4 9 ‘/2s Jim Pappas, Steve Kline and Robert Waldrop. RATINGS AND WINGS Erica M use - CFII RATINGS Aloha Chapter, Southwest Section

Lyndsay Asmussen - AGI, Gold Seal Flight Instructor Shane Otis - Private Pilot Utah Chapter, Southwest Section Utah Chapter, Southwest Section

Janet Baker - Private Pilot Pam Palmieri - Private Pilot Finger Lakes Chapter, New York/New Jersey Section San Fernando Valley Chapter, Southwest Section

Laura Conover - Multi-Engine Instructor Linnn Steward - Multi-Engine Old Dominion Chapter, Mid-Atlantic Section All-Ohio Chapter, North Central Section

Angelee Conroy - Multi-Engine Kari Wehh - CFI & Multi-Engine Ventura County Chapter, Southwest Section Utah Chapter, Southwest Section

Sara Esterline - Private Pilot Terry Hulzar Trimber - CFI Three Rivers Chapter, North Central Section Old Dominnion Chapter, Mid-Atlantic Section

Betty Huck - CFI Elizabeth Collins - Private Pilot Greater Cincinnati Chapter, North Central Section Reno High Sierra, Southwest Section

Martha Anne G. Hull - Commercial & CFI Kate Flynn - Instrument Finger Lakes Chapter, New York/New Jersey Section Reno High Sierra, Southwest Section

Linda E. Leach - Private Pilot Katie W riter - CFI & CFII Oregon Pines Chapter, Northwest Section Reno High Sierra, Southwest Section

Amy McNaught - CFII Jackie Schrempp - Private Pilot Nebraska Chapter, South Central Section Reno High Sierra, Southwest Section Suzi Swim - Commercial Single & Multi-Engine instrument Aloha Chapter, Southwest Section

Kathleen Veatch - Commercial, Multi-Engine Instrument P lane M ercantile Aloha Chapter-Southwest Section

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M ayetta Behringer - Wings XVI Santa Clara Valley Chapter, Southwest Section

Beverly Clark - Wings I Oregon Pines Chapter, Northwest Section

Lila Elliott - Wings III Florida Firstcoast Chapter, Southeast Section

Mary Lou Hagan - Wings VI Delaware Chapter, Mid-Atlantic Section

Kimberly Lansdon - Wings IV Oregon Pines Chapter, Northwest Section

Karen Ness - Wings VI Chicago Area Chapter, North Central Section

Sharon Sweeney - Wings VI Santa Clara Valley Chapter, Southwest Section

Carol Theiler - Wings VIII Blue Ridge Chapter, Southeast Section original prints collectibles FIRST SOLO

Blanca Cinco - First Solo www.PLANEMERCANTILE.com Santa Clara Valley Chapter, Southwest Section Touch & Go

JULIELYNN W ONG: DOROTHY POOLEY RECEIVES TOP BRITISH AWARD ONE OF CANADA'S BEST AND BRIGHTEST Dorothy Pooley, member of the British Section, has been In May, Maclean’s magazine awarded the Jean Lennox Bird Trophy, the highest women pi­ selected 25 of the “best and the lots award in Britain. It was given in recognition of her out­ brightest” young Canadians, and standing contribution to aviation and presented by the Women Julielynn Wong, Ninety-Nine Pilots Association. Section Member-At-Large, was The Jean Lennox Bird Trophy is presented each year in among those honored. memory of Pilot Officer Jean Lennox Bird who, in 1952, became The magazine had asked the first woman to receive RAF pilot’s wings. universities across Canada to STATE APPOINTMENT FOR MARY LOU HAGAN nominate their brightest stars, Mary Lou Hagan, Delaware Chapter, has been appointed to both current students and recent the New Jersey State General Aviation Advisory Council by grads under the age of 30. The Governor James McGreevey. lulielynn Wong top 25 were picked from more than 400 young achievers. The following is the magazine's profile of Julielynn, who is NEEDED: ONE ARTIST 29 and a medical researcher: PROJECT: Cover art for our new 99s Recruitment and Malaria stalks 40 per cent of the world’s population — 2.5 Retention Handbook billion people — and kills about 3,000 victims a day. In fact, IDEA: I have it but just can’t draw it. there are more acute cases of malaria each year than tuberculo­ PAY: Donation for the good of The 99s. sis, AIDS, measles and leprosy combined. “It’s a preventable and Interested? Contact Andrea Chay, International Member­ treatable disease,” says Julielynn Wong, a third-year medical ship Chairman at 253-638-1679, [email protected] student at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. “But de­ spite control efforts, there has been a resurgence in recent years.” In 2002, Wong, who has garnered more than 10 academic BOOK REVIEW awards totalling almost $55,000, attended the International Space University in Pomona, California. Wong was the lone Letters Home 1944-1945 medical student in a group of 53 peers from 20 countries who collaborated on a project called HI-STAR — which stands for by Bernice “Bee ” Falk Haydu Health Improvements through Space Technologies and Re­ Florida Gulf Stream Chapter sources. Their idea: malaria could be squelched by using tele­ communication satellites to relay data on the disease, global TopLine Printing and Graphics positioning systems to correlate cases with their exact location, www.wasplettershome.com and remote-sensing equipment to track rainfall and humidity Soft Cover $ 16.00/$4.00 shipping that affects mosquito breeding. ISBN: 0-9747675-0-6 l 89 pages Last year, Wong and a fellow ISU student presented the idea in Vienna to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Wong continued her research into HI-STAR last Hernia ' Ba’ JatkJtydu summer under NASA’s Healthy Planet program, showcasing the BY JACQUE BOYD project at a number of conferences in Germany last fall. Rio Grande Norte Chapter Now, the UN’s Office of Outer Space Affairs has endorsed Thanks go to Bee Haydu’s mother for having the tremen­ HI-STAR, and the European Space Agency has asked to see a dous foresight to save Bee’s letters! proposal for a pilot project. Bee’s book not only chronicles her experiences through “It’s hard to say what motivates me to help other people,” WASP training, she goes beyond to her travails in trying to re­ says the Toronto native, recently nominated for the Canadian main a professional pilot after the war. Her account concerning Medical Association award for excellence in health promotion. working with Senator Barry Goldwater in obtaining official rec­ [Editor’s note: Julielynn just received word that she is the sole ognition from Congress for the WASP further heightens knowl­ medical student recipient of the 2004 Canadian Medical Asso­ edge of that process. ciation Award for Young Leaders.] “I just feel that when you give One of the attention-getters about this book is the inclusion of yourself, you always get back so much more.” of more than 100 pictures. There are many of the WASP photos that I’d never seen before. It makes for a very fresh read concern­ Article by Ann Dowsett Johnston, May 24, 2004 ing a subject that’s so integral to the historical progression of reprinted courtesy Macleans women in aviation. NEW HORIZONS

CAROLE DEPUE WILLIAM H. (BILL) PAYNTER 49>/2 Las Vegas Chapter Bakersfield Chapter Longtime Las Vegas Chapter Ninety-Nines member Carole Bill Paynter, husband of Bakersfield Chapter member Joan Depue died in the early morning on May 19, 2004 after a long Paynter, died on April 21, 2004 after a lengthy illness, at age 79. battle with cancer. Her family has asked that donations be made He was an architect who designed many prominent buildings in to the 99s Museum of Women Pilots in lieu of flowers. Their his hometown of Bakersfield, California. hope is that her name will be put on the Wall of Wings. He and Joan were familiar faces at Southwest Section and Donations can be sent in Carole Depue’s name to: 99s Mu­ International meetings. seum of Women Pilots, 3200 Amelia Earhart Road, Oklahoma Services were held in Bakersfield on April 26,2004. Memo­ City, OK 73159-1140 rial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Associa­ —Mardell Haskins tion, 5500 Olive Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308, or to Rotary Club of Bakersfield, P.O. Box 1628, Bakersfield, CA, 93302 JOHN EVANS 49'/2 —Mary Lou Romagno All-Ohio Chapter John Evans, beloved 49'/2 of Helen Linn Evans, was 92 when he flew to New Horizons on December 3, 2003. John was an JOSEPHINE M. RICHARDSON aircraft owner, pilot, Ohio State Trooper, flight instructor for Three Rivers Chapter Foster Lane at Port Columbus, flight instructor for the U.S. Army Josephine Richardson, a life member of The Ninety-Nines, Air Corps, Flight Inspector for the FAA in the U.S. and South passed to new horizons in Decatur, Indiana on June 30, 2003. America, transport pilot for the OSU School of Aviation, photo­ She was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 30, 1915 to James graphic pilot for the Ohio Department of Transportation and a and Helen (Zivider) Ivetich. member of OX5 Aviation Pioneers. Josephine was united in marriage on February 15, 1959 to — Margaret Hazlett Alden Wesley Richardson, and he passed away on March 15, 1994. Josephine was a charter member of the Three Rivers 99s EVELYN HART GRINDELL Chapter. Prior to that she was a member of the Indiana 99s All-Ohio Chapter Chapter. Evelyn Hart Grindell, 91, died December 7, 2003. She re­ She was a member of the Crossroads Church in Decatur, ceived her pilots license in 1942 and was a member of the Civil Indiana; Silver Wings; and a past member of the Aircraft Owners Air Patrol during WWII. She was a teacher and shared her love of and Pilots Association. Josephine was the owner and operator of aviation by teaching it to her third grade students. Her Master’s the Decatur Hi-Way Airport and was a Scientific-Massage and thesis on Aviation in Elementary Education remains on fde at Physical Therapist. the FAA Library in Washington, D.C. She is survived by one niece and one nephew and was pre­ ceded in death by her brother, James Ivetich, and her sister, Anna Womack. Josephine is missed by many. PATIENCE MCARTHUR —Lewie Wiese Oregon Pines Chapter I am saddened to write that a Ninety-Nine member has flown to MARY ALTMAN SESLAR F New Horizons. All-Ohio Chapter Patience McArthur of Long time All-Ohio Chapter member Mary Altman Seslar, Monmouth, Oregon was a charter 83, passed away on April 1, 2004. She was an aircraft pilot, a member of the Oregon Pines WWII veteran, an avid genealogist, a DAR member and an ac­ Chapter when it was formed in tive member of her church and womens’ groups until her recent 1980. She was our treasurer for hospitalization in a nursing facility. several years. She graduated with a teaching degree from Bowling Green After almost four months she State University and later received her master’s degree from Kent received her private license in State University. She taught school for 28 years, beginning in a 1974. She enjoyed flying cross­ one-room school on North Bass Island when the only winter Patience McArthur, 1972 country and also flew to Alaska. access was by ferry plane. She was an enthusiastic participant in the “Palms to Pines” Air She is survived by her husband Richard and two children, Race in 1982. Patience was a true friend and we will miss her. David and Barbara. —Mary DeCanter NEW HORIZONS

YVONNE CELESTE (PAT) PATEMAN U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. (Ret.) Orange County Chapter It is with deep sadness that I inform you that our beloved, dedicated member “Pat” Pateman “flew her last flight” on Sun­ day, April 4, 2004. She had Parkinson’s disease for a number of years, as well as several small strokes recently. She was 84. Now, for her story, and what a story she could tell. Bom in Seawaren, New Jersey in 1920, Pat grew up with 12 siblings. At 22, she was working at Western Electric Factory in New Jersey when a female coworker, who was taking private flying lessons, talked her into going for a plane ride. Pat was instantly hooked and from then on lived for flying. She has said, “The first time I was ever alone in my life was when I soloed. It was so peaceful.” At 22, she soloed on an ice runway in Wurtzboro, New York in a ski-mounted J-3 Piper Cub. A few weeks later, Pat saw a newspaper article describing the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), a new civilian program under the direction of Jacqueline Cochran. During a meeting with Cochran in New York, Pat was offered a spot in the program. Pat had shown she had the “right stuff." One of 1,074 out of 1,830 women who entered the pro­ Yvonne Celeste (Pat) Pateman gram, Pat earned her wings at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, graduating in September 1943. She served as a ferry pilot and an ments of women flyers, particularly the WASP and those in the engineering test pilot until the WASP disbanded in December military services. 1944. In 1976, Pat diligently worked on the passage of Public Following service in the WASP, she pumped gas at Monrovia Law 95-202, which recognized WASP WWII service as eligible Airport for awhile, but then was hired by AeroTrans, Inc. piloting for Veterans’ Benefits. Pat went to work making sure all living civilian aircraft out of Monrovia Airport to buyers elsewhere in members of the WASP filled out the appropriate forms and pa­ the country. Later, Pat became Chief Instructor Pilot at Culver pers that got them into the Veteran Administration system. City Airport in California. Then, in 1949 she accepted an Air She was one of the first directors on the board of Women in Force Reserve Commission as a First Lieutenant and was re­ the Military Service for America (WIMSA) and served for 14 called during the Korean War to active duty in March 1951 and years. She was WASP Chair for Military and Veterans Affairs for was assigned to the 78lh Fighter-Interceptor Wing at Hamilton 10 years and National President of the WASP from 1990-92. She Air Force Base. Because the Air Force did not have women pilots was also instrumental in the preservation of WASP records, many at the time, Pat became an intelligence officer and served in the of which are now housed at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Philippines and Japan. Texas. She was the author of Women Who Dared, a nonfiction In 1969-70, during the Vietnam War, Pat was Chief of the 7lh book which recognizes the women who were military test pilots. Air Force Warning Division at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon. Pat also produced a video, We Were WASP, to provide an accurate During her 22-year Air Force career, she was awarded many hon­ story for use in school classrooms. She was a popular speaker to ors, including the Bronze Star for exemplary service in Vietnam. such groups as AAUW, DAR, Zonta, NOW and The Ninety-Nines. Before her April I, 1971 retirement, she was Chief of the China Pat kept current in single engine aircraft. She logged ap­ Air and Missile Section of the Defense Intelligence Agency. proximately 6,000 hours by her last flight out of El Toro Marine “Pat Pateman had a path-breaking career in both aviation Base in Orange County in 1998. and the military, fields not traditionally open to women,” said Pat originally joined The Ninety-Nines on January 20, 1955 Deborah Douglas, curator of science and technology at the MIT and belonged to several chapters before joining the Orange Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “One can't really imag­ County Chapter in 1987. She is survived by her longtime com­ ine how difficult that was.” Douglas said that unlike other women panion, U.S. Air Force Maj. (Ret.) Martha (Marty) Stanton, and who served their country during the war, “Pateman was in the 20 nieces and nephews. What a blessing she was to all who had vanguard of women who came out of the WWII experience and the privilege of knowing her. Pat will be greatly missed. did not go back to the ‘normal expected roles of women in soci­ — M ary Van Velzer ety,’” preferring to work bringing recognition to the achieve- WOMEN WITH WINGS CHAPTER An Air Bear flight with 400 students took place for two days in December at Vienna Elementary School in Vienna, West Vir­ ginia. as grades one through six took an imaginary flight to Toyland at the North Pole with Wilbur Wright as their guide. Wilbur (Dave Stephens) guided the students through the history of the Wright Brothers flight at Kitty Hawk. Pat Stephens, a teacher and pilot, coordinated the program as part of a school- wide celebration of the Wright Brothers’ first flight on Decem­ ber 17, 1903. She was assisted by members of the Women With Wings chapter Pat Harmon and Leigh Anna Rice. Many of the students have never actually been on an air­ plane, so it was an opportunity for them to gain a little familiar­ ity with how everything works. They randomly drew job assign­ San Fernando Valley Chapter members at the unveiling of their ments such as pilot, controller, flight attendant and passenger; displayed photograph at the Flight Path Learning Center Museum each passenger paid a $30 play money fee for a ticket to toyland. at Los Angeles International Airport, May I. Next they went through a security check and boarded the air­ craft where the flight attendants explained safety procedures SAN FERNANDO VALLEY CHAPTER like seat belts, oxygen marks and life vests. Before the flight The San Fernando Valley chapter has used their well-known could leave for the North Pole, the plane had to be fueled, a airplane photo (previously displayed on the front cover of the 99 mechanic had to check all the nuts and bolts to be sure they were News) for recruiting and publicity, hanging posters in local FBOs secure and the line person directed the airplane to the correct and arranging for a photo display in the Burbank Airport termi­ runway. nal. Thanks to chapter member Marcia Fuller, the photo is now Using a yoke to steer the plane, the pilot and co-pilot moni­ hanging in the Flight Path Learning Center Museum at Los An­ tored a poster board instrument panel while communicating with geles International Airport. air traffic control on their headsets. About midway through the Marcia approached Raymond Jack, head of Flight Opera­ flight, the attendants handed out a snack. tions at LAX, with the photo-hanging idea after his LAX presen­ The third graders made replicas of “bat toy” while the fourth tation at our August chapter meeting. The unveiling of our photo graders made paper airplanes. Hanging from the ceiling in the was arranged for May 1, 2004. The chapter enjoyed a wonderful front entrance of the school were Wright Brothers model planes tour of the newly opened museum celebrating the history of made by the fifth and sixth graders. LAX and then took a photo of the photo. On May 22, the San It was a wonderful, informative program that these children Fernando Valley 99s participated in an Aviation and Space Expo had the opportunity to be part of. I’m sure the presenters had a at Whiteman Airport put on by the Traveling Space Museum. great time as well! The Women With Wings chapter will be pre­ Over 300 local children attended the event where they enjoyed senting Air Bear programs in 10 more classrooms during April flight simulators, a space station mock up, rocket demos, robotic and May. demos and Young Eagle flights. —Caye Wohlin Our chapter had booths for The 99s as well as the two youth groups we sponsor and mentor, the Aviation Explorers and the Girl Scouts. Wally Funk spoke about her training as an astronaut and the SFV99s presented her with a Certificate of Recognition. We look forward to this expo becoming an annual event. — Jennifer Miller

UTAH CHAPTER Utah Chapter Hurricane Meeting/Lunch No, we didn’t have a hurricane during our meeting, but rather we held a chapter meeting/lunch on April 25 in Hurricane, Utah, which is near Zion National Park. Several members from the Las Vegas Valley Chapter joined in for the impressive spread of food and outstanding 99 camaraderie. Our hosts were Mary and Ron Santosuosso, who live on the Sky Ranch airport. Twenty-two people attended and three airplanes flew in for the event. The pilot and co-pilot take the controls at Vienna Elemtary School. — Laura Smith SANTA CLARA VALLEY CHAPTER

Santa Clara Valley Chapter's annual Pasta Dinner and Fund Raiser was held at the San Jose State Aviation Depart­ ment located at SJC airport on Friday, M arch 19. The event was again ably chaired by Su­ san Worster and very well at­ tended. We were happy to have Janet Ewert Lalor and her twin 8- AUSTRALIAN year-old girls join SECTION us for the 99s Brigitte Iwaszkiewicz and evening. Janet is the daughter The annual meeting of the Australian Section was held Mayetta Behringer check in janet Ewert Lalor and her twin of Peggy and John Ewert who in Hobart, Tasmania on April 2. Following the meeting a girls, Allie and Maddie at the were tragically killed in an air­ most entertaining talk was given by South Australian pilot Pasta Dinner and Fund Raiser. plane accident on Mother's Day Nancy Manthoyse about her time flying on DC3’s Adelaide 1997. Peggy was the Governor to Darwin run in the early’50s. of the Southwest Section at the time. She left a huge void for all of us. Our raffle and silent auction benefits The Flying Twenty at AMBASSADOR CHAPTER San Jose State to further their aviation education and competi­ tive spirit. The San Jose Precision Flight team was introduced. They reported on their successful showing at the NIFA Safecon Regional in Prescott, Arizona. The 99s have worked with the National Intercollegiate Fly­ ing Association’s student flying competition since 1948 as judges, runners and teachers and also with funding assistance. Santa Clara Valley Chapter is proud to assist locally. — Nancy Rodgers

BLUE RIDGE CHAPTER Members of the Blue Ridge chapter assisted during the South Carolina Aviation Association’s Poker Run and the visit of the Commemorative Air Force B-17, the Sentimental Journey, to Ambassador Chapter members Captain Aileen Watkins, left, and First Officer Donna Miller flew together for Donna's first trip on the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport (KSPA) on May 22. B-737 at Pace Airlines shortly before Aileen left to take a new job —Carol Theiler as B747-400 first officer with Atlas Air. Both are also Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship winners.

TENNESSEE CHAPTER A luncheon meeting of the Tennessee Chapter was held at the Morristown Airport in early March. The program was given by Ann Crossman of New York. Her book Young at Heart was the topic. Completing the compass rose at Downtown Island Airport, Knoxville, Tennessee were Catherine Haight, Martha Miller, Wilma Brantley, Shelia Kidwell, Linda Meese, Jean Hammer, Ernesteen Hunt, Judy Wayman, Lynne Davis and 49l/is Lee Hunt and Earl West. This makes five compass roses that the Tennessee Chapter From left, Lee Orr, Kay Taunton (new FWP) and Dot Penney assist has completed in less than two years. with the South Carolina Aviation Association's Poker Run. —Evelyn Bryan Johnson KATAHDIN WINGS CHAPTER Gray skies and damp early April weather may have prevailed, but the spirits of the New England Section 99s were soaring. Their Spring Section meeting was a resounding success. In ef­ forts headed by Chapter Chair Jeanne Kannegieser, the Katahdin Wings treated themselves and their guests to the casual elegance of the Harraseekett Inn, located in the heart of Freeport, Maine. The weekend started on Friday afternoon with a cozy fire­ side tea prepared by the Harraseeket. It was a great warm-up to the evening where new members got to meet and get to know the veterans, while enjoying the delightful spread. Dinner at the historic Jameson Tavern followed, where everyone was enter­ tained by guest speaker Linda Coffi’s adventures of her first “real” cross-country, flying from upstate New York to California, most of it solo. Katahdin Wings member Claire Holmblad, right, mans the The next day brought more gray skies, but the New England merchandise table while Eastern New England Chapter members Virginia Ursin, left, and Katharine Barr, center, browse before the Section got right down to business with Governor Pat Theberge start of the Spring 2004 New England Section Meeting. presiding. In the spirit of the location, a New England shopping mecca, the Katahdin Wings offered aviation-related merchan­ charged everyone up for another great summer of flying to come. dise for sale before the meeting. At the end of this successful meeting plans were formed for Highlights of the morning meeting included the presenta­ a fly-out to the Hudson River Corridor and a circle of the Statue tion of the New England Section Award of Merit to Katahdin of Liberty. On April 25, 16 women pilots, including 99s and their Wings member Mary Build for her outstanding efforts in pro­ guests, flew from Southern Maine and upstate New York to con­ moting aviation and her inspirational interaction with everyone verge on Poughkeepsie Dutchess Co. Airport for lunch and a she meets. The Shirley Mann Memorial Scholarship was also briefing before continuing to New York Harbor. presented to Daniel Webster student Kimberly Brennan, who Unfortunately a low pressure system arrived early and put a graciously and enthusiastically accepted it. Installation of the damper on the second leg of the journey. One lucky Katahdin new Northeast Section officers concluded the ended-on-time Wings member. Shadow Gorill, and her guests did get to com­ meeting. plete the mission, which resulted in some spectacular photo­ Even though the weather didn’t allow anyone to fly, the graphs of The Lady. gathering of so many contagiously enthusiastic women pilots — Lorena Plourd

MINNESOTA CHAPTER Sunny skies, a brisk wind and the smiles of Ninety-Nines members greeted 79 Girl Scouts from the Cannon Valley Coun­ cil when they were hosted by Quality Aviation at the Faribault airport on April 17. Girls from seven troops, their leaders and parents enjoyed the afternoon learning about the careers and activities of women in Minnesota aviation. Best of all, the girls got to see and sit in the planes which 99s members had flown to the airport. At four information stations, 99s presented the necessary steps for learning to fly and a basic explanation of how an airplane flies complete with a mock instrument panel. Ca­ reers were discussed by an airline first officer, a company pilot and an Air Force navigator; how air traffic control works was outlined by a controller; and a presentation about Ninety- Minnesota Chapter Members Susan Bailey Schwidt (left), first Nines told the girls about the history of the organization, officer for Pinnacle Airlines, and Lisa Peasle, company pilot, current projects, and that if they really want to, they too can Target Corp., share their career experiences with Girl Scouts someday be a pilot and a Ninety-Nine. Plans are already un­ from the Cannon Valley Council. derway for a repeat event in 2006 when the joy of flying can be shared again. — N adine S u g d e n HOUSTON CHAPTER Houston Chapter members graciously welcomed a large number of South Central Section 99s to the spring Section meeting. Courtesy of Woody Lesikar, the host airport was West Houston, which has been the home base for the Houston Chap­ ter for a number of years. Despite all the great plans generated by Cathy Wappler and her committee, weather was not cooperative for those 99s who wanted to fly in, particularly several gals from the Okla­ homa Chapter who caught a Southwest Airlines flight at the last minute. San Antonio 99s and others were close enough to drive. Only four planes arrived and those a day early. Activities included a mountain-flying seminar (the next Section meeting is in Colorado), flying to Europe and vision issues affecting pilots. More than 120 Ninety-Nines (including guests) attended evening functions in the large hangar at the airport. Friday featured Texas barbecue and Saturday Mexican fare. Enter­ Maybelle Fletcher is presented with the FAA's Master Pilot Award tainment included live music, colorful, professional dancers by Paul Downs, left, and Howard Dave, both FAA representatives and an informative presentation by Astronaut Dr. Linda who were instrumental in getting the award issued to Maybelle. Godwin. The chapter is especially proud of Maybelle Fletcher, who has possessed a pilot’s license for at least 50 years, who is to her surprise provided the focus for the hangar party Friday current, and who has made significant contributions to avia­ night. Maybelle was presented with the recently announced tion safety and education. We are understandably proud of our FAA’s Master Pilot Award, which is given to an individual who own Maybelle! — Lu Hollander

OLD DOMINION CHAPTER worked with the scouts on basic navigation, then gave each of Girl Scout Day them a chance to “fly.” The girls showed so much interest and This April’s annual Girl Scout Day at the Smithsonian Air & enthusiasm, as well as natural talent, we can only hope to see Space Museum was held at the new Udvar-Hazy Center in Dulles, some of them become accomplished pilots and 99s. We also pro­ Virginia. There were 1,077 girls participating, from Daisy (the vided information and handouts to leaders and parents about the youngest) to Senior Scouts. With exhibitors from all facets of 99s and learning to fly. aviation, historical to modern technology, the girls had a full Sally Ride Science Festival day of aviation to experience. The Old Dominion Chapter took the opportunity to repre­ Equipped with charts and two flight simulators, our chapter sent the Ninety-Nines. Inc. at the Sally Ride Science Festival held at George Mason University on April 17. This “Old Dominion” university campus in Fairfax, Virginia proved to be a perfect venue for the Chapter as well as Sally Ride’s traveling Science Festival. Young women in the 5th-8th grades from all over Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and beyond were joined by their families, Girl Scout leaders, teach­ ers, etc. to learn of the endless possibilities for them in the vast field of science, and related technologies. The weather cooperated fully as hundreds of young women and their chaperones participated in the workshops, explored the hands-on and interactive displays, attended lectures and perused the street fair. Contacts with Girl Scout leaders, educators, and parents were made at the Festival to be used as part of the Old Dominion Chapter’s aeronautical education program inspiring Girl Scout Day "flight instructors" from the Old Dominion Chapter are, front row from left: Betty Fisher, Morgen Reeb; (back row from young women to nurture and pursue their interests in aviation- left): Denise Decker, Laura Conover, Seth Van Lehn, Yvonne Egge related careers or activities...and of course, eventually become and Charlee Haskell. FWPs and 99s! —Charlee Haskell From Russia With Love

Please see page 7 6 for article and page 3 7 for photo captions.